NEW EARSWICK All Blacks will be targeting Championship glory when the new Pennine League season gets under way later this month.

The White Rose Avenue outfit have been placed in the second tier of a restructured league and head coach Jack Stearman is demanding his side "step up" this campaign.

The Pennine Premier and Championship divisions have been split into three consisting of six teams each. That puts All Blacks in the middle with Batley Boys, Brotherton Bulldogs, King Cross Park, Stainland Stags and West Leeds.

After the clubs have played each other home and away, the divisions will change with the top three from the Championship and the bottom three in the Premier swapping places.

The same will happen with other tiers in the new league structure.

It's a format which gives New Earswick the chance to possibly pit their wits against Doncaster Toll Bar and Fryston Warriors if they enjoy a good start to the season and it is a carrot Stearman is determined to take.

His men have held one pre-season game already and, with a much larger squad than in previous years, he is hopeful of big things when they are scheduled to get under way on September 26.

Stearman said: "We played a 26-26 draw with Queensbury in a pre-season friendly and had 26 players in the squad. We gave everyone a run out and it was good. Looking at the squad for the season, with 26 players, a couple yet to come back and five or six injuries, it looking like quite a big squad and we could challenge for Premier division status.

"This year we are looking to step up. We are looking to win the Championship division or at least do as best as we can and get into the top three and go into the Premier all guns blazing.

"It's exciting because we will get the chance to play the best teams through the season. It is going to be a good year. We have got a lot more players. They have integrated into the squad well and it is quite exciting for the forthcoming year."

York Acorn, downed by a last ditch try from Harry Gilfillan in a 20-16 loss to Milford Marlins last time out, try to pick themselves up when they host Skirlaugh in National Conference League division one.

It's a game that pits the sides in fifth and sixth against each other as head coach Scott Rhodes' men battle to catch Ince Rose Bridge and finish fourth.

York Acorn 'A', just a point ahead of third placed Siddal 'A' in Yorkshire Mens League division one promotion race, will be confident of picking up maximum points at struggling Birstall Victoria as they close out their season.